Dates in the history of DKW

1904
The Rasmussen & Ernst company was established in Chemnitz to make exhaust steam fittings 

1907
On April 13, transfer of the company to Zschopau, where Rasmussen had purchased land in 1906. Rasmussen was registered as sole proprietor; the sales office remained in Chemnitz

1909
Rasmussen & Ernst, Zschopau-Chemnitz, Maschinen- und Armaturenfabrik, Apparatebauanstalt

1912
Zschopauer Maschinenfabrik J.S. Rasmussen 

1916
Experiments with steam-driven vehicles continued until 1918 

1919
The 25 cc miniature two-stroke engine ("Des Knaben Wunsch")

1921
Zschopauer Motorenwerke J.S. Rasmussen; the first auxiliary bicycle engine ("Das kleine Wunder")

1922
DKW trade mark registered for engines and motorcycles

1923
Zschopauer Motorenwerke J.S. Rasmussen AG established on December 22. Capital in 1924: 1 million RM, increased in 1929 to 10 million RM 

1928
World's largest motorcycle manufacturer; start of car production 

1932
On June 29, amalgamation with HORCH Werke AG, AUDI Werke AG and the car division of WANDERER Werke AG to create AUTO UNION AG with its headquarters in Chemnitz